I'm a designer focused on the future and philosophy of the interface.

I've helped independent developers, startups, corporations, and civic organizations invent or improve human-centered experiences.

My work is enriched by conversations with creative practitioners from across disciplines on the Design Notes podcast, and regular writing about design theory on Interface Café.

I'm a designer focused on the future and philosophy of the interface. I've helped independent developers, startups, corporations, and civic organizations invent or improve human-centered experiences. My work is enriched by conversations with cr... Show more

Kwin works on large-scale WebRTC infrastructure at Daily. He is the originator of Pipecat, the widely used, open source, vendor neutral voice agent framework supported by NVIDIA, Google, AWS and used by hundreds of startups. Before co-fonding Daily, Kwin built the sci-fi user interfaces in Minority Report and Iron Man.

Kwin works on large-scale WebRTC infrastructure at Daily. He is the originator of Pipecat, the widely used, open source, vendor neutral voice agent framework supported by NVIDIA, Google, AWS and used by hundreds of startups. Before co-fonding Daily, ... Show more

Jill Tague (she/her) is a UX and product designer and founder of Design and Travel LLC. After years designing digital products at financial institutions like Edward Jones, Capital One, and Boeing Employee Credit Union, she turned a layoff into a launchpad — and hasn’t looked back.

Jill’s travels have taken her from the rainforests of Costa Rica to the cobblestoned streets of Estonia, and what changed her wasn’t the scenery. It was the trash on the ground, the makeshift shacks, and the powerful street art that appeared in Tallinn when Russia invaded Ukraine. Those moments of discomfort and beauty cracked something open in her — and made her a more honest, grounded, and empathetic designer.

In her talks, Jill explores how stepping outside comfort and privilege reshapes how we design for real people — not idealized users. She believes the best UX research sometimes happens when you’re humbled by the world around you.

She’s on a mission to convince designers that gratitude and discomfort are two of the most underrated tools in their kit.

Jill Tague (she/her) is a UX and product designer and founder of Design and Travel LLC. After years designing digital products at financial institutions like Edward Jones, Capital One, and Boeing Employee Credit Union, she turned a layoff into a laun... Show more

Jay Krymis is a film and television actor and producer with experience both in front of the camera and behind it. His career includes acting, production, and industry leadership, giving him a practical understanding of how entertainment projects are created, developed, and completed.

Jay's work includes award-recognized acting roles and strategic involvement in television and film development. He first gained wider recognition through his role in the critically acclaimed film Traffic, which earned ensemble recognition at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. That appearance became an important point in his early acting career, placing him among a cast known for realism and depth.

Jay has also earned Best Supporting Actor honors in various circuits. His acting work has spanned a range of roles that require adaptability and discipline. Whether appearing in film or television, his performances have often reflected a grounded approach, with a focus on authenticity rather than spectacle. This steady style has helped him remain active in a competitive industry.

As his acting career developed, he expanded into production, where he could take a more direct role in shaping creative outcomes. His production work includes projects such as In the Big House and collaborations with major media entities like Viacom. These experiences gave him broader knowledge of the business side of entertainment, including development pipelines and distribution considerations.

In his production work, Jay has shown the ability to recognize workable concepts and guide them through execution. He sees this transition as an expansion of his abilities rather than a departure from acting. By working behind the scenes, he gained influence over storytelling decisions, casting direction, and overall project strategy.

A major part of his professional life is connected to casting and talent development. As co-owner of the Booked Talent casting agency, which he operates with his wife, he helps connect performers with opportunities. The agency also focuses on matching talent with projects that fit their skills and long-term potential.

Jay's contributions have received civic and institutional recognition from the City of West Hollywood, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and the California State Senate. These acknowledgments reflect his community involvement and his positive role beyond individual film and television projects.

Jay Krymis has built a career across acting, producing, and casting, with each part supporting the others. His work reflects consistency, range, and long-term commitment within the entertainment industry.

Jay Krymis is a film and television actor and producer with experience both in front of the camera and behind it. His career includes acting, production, and industry leadership, giving him a practical understanding of how entertainment projects are ... Show more

Davide is a software developer, with a strong interest in games as tools for learning, experimentation, and community building. Over the years, he has collaborated on board games, urban games, and game-related events, often working alongside people who "do this for real". His journey with Game Jams started as a participant and naturally evolved into taking organizational roles, after countless Jams experienced both on-site and online. What began with curiosity during his first hackathon in 2017 quickly turned into an ongoing exploration of how constraints, play, and imperfect environments can spark creativity. Davide enjoys mixing structure with chaos, serious problem-solving with playful experimentation. When he's not developing or designing games, he is part of an improvisational theatre troupe, an experience that strongly influences how he approaches collaboration, facilitation, and embracing the unexpected.

Davide is a software developer, with a strong interest in games as tools for learning, experimentation, and community building. Over the years, he has collaborated on board games, urban games, and game-related events, often working alongside people w... Show more

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating for ethical AI design, she has a focus on building inclusive technology that brings positive societal impact.

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating f... Show more

A reference in the world of design and product, creator of La Conf Qui Tue Le Game, and a key contributor to the rise of user- and product-centered culture at France Télévisions for over 10 years, Michael Baeyens (“Mitch”) is currently National Director of Product and Design Practices at eXalt, leading a community of more than 200 product and design professionals (since June 2024).

Following the success of Human After All — closing keynote at UX Conf 2023 (800+ attendees) and subsequently performed 8 times across France for a total audience of over 3,500 — Mitch established himself as a distinctive voice on the ethical, cultural and strategic impacts of AI, drawing a parallel between the career of Daft Punk and our relationship with automation, robotics and generative systems.

Since then, he has created and delivered two major conferences:

UI0 – Interface Zero: The Rise of Invisible Products in the Age of AI,
an exploration of how AI agents are reshaping product design by shifting from user-facing interfaces to products designed for agent-consumers. The talk examines the deep impact of this paradigm shift on design and product roles, methods and responsibilities. UI0 has been presented more than 16 times across France and internationally (including LPC Paris and PMF Zurich), reaching over 8,000 attendees and generating more than 8,000 video views.

FAMOUS – Lessons Learned on Brand, Values and Resilience from the Most Iconic (and Maybe the Most Underrated) Product of Our Times (FLUPA 2025),
a cultural and strategic analysis of Taylor Swift’s career as a product ecosystem, extracting concrete lessons on brand consistency, long-term vision, value systems and resilience that modern product teams can apply to their own work.

Recognized for mastering the art of storytelling, Mitch brings audiences along through a distinctive mix of sharp insight, humor, personal anecdotes and pop culture references. Sitting at the intersection of strategic planning, design leadership and product expertise, he delivers talks that are both intellectually rigorous and highly engaging — making him an unmissable speaker on the future of product, design and culture in the age of AI.

A reference in the world of design and product, creator of La Conf Qui Tue Le Game, and a key contributor to the rise of user- and product-centered culture at France Télévisions for over 10 years, Michael Baeyens (“Mitch”) is currently National Direc... Show more

Full-stack application creator. Musician. With degrees in philosophy and librarianship. A father, a husband, a brother, a son. Human, after all.

Full-stack application creator. Musician. With degrees in philosophy and librarianship. A father, a husband, a brother, a son. Human, after all. Show more

Joanna White is a community connector who has spent her career building bridges between Huntsville’s creative and civic sectors. As the Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition, Joanna continues this work by creating ecosystems for human collaboration. The Coalition drives local innovation by funding the gener8tor Huntsville tech accelerator and supporting a product development program for student engineers, and by encouraging community connection through its signature events in Huntsville’s MidCity District.

Joanna White is a community connector who has spent her career building bridges between Huntsville’s creative and civic sectors. As the Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition, Joanna continues this work by creating ecosystems for human collaborati... Show more

I am Kshitij raj sharma from Nepal , An OSM enthusiastic , Open Source Spatial Developer , Geomatics Engineer. I love maps and love contributing & making tools that benefits humankind

I am Kshitij raj sharma from Nepal , An OSM enthusiastic , Open Source Spatial Developer , Geomatics Engineer. I love maps and love contributing & making tools that benefits humankind Show more

Benny's story started at age six, when an Amiga rewired his brain. Music, code, and games, three obsessions that never left. From Småland, where entrepreneurial spirit runs deep, he founded Data Dao, helping organizations turn data into decisions and impact. These days he's equally at home in a boardroom or in front of a classroom of curious ten-year-olds, and that's exactly where he wants to be.

Benny's story started at age six, when an Amiga rewired his brain. Music, code, and games, three obsessions that never left. From Småland, where entrepreneurial spirit runs deep, he founded Data Dao, helping organizations turn data into decisions and... Show more

A fashion geek with strong interest in technology and I randomly blog at littleshelly.me.

A fashion geek with strong interest in technology and I randomly blog at littleshelly.me. Show more

After a 30-year career photographing the biggest music stars on the planet, Rob Shanahan is now empowering audiences with actionable principles to pursue their passions and achieve success – personally and professionally – with the daily axioms he’s learned from the world's leading legends.

After a 30-year career photographing the biggest music stars on the planet, Rob Shanahan is now empowering audiences with actionable principles to pursue their passions and achieve success – personally and professionally – with the daily axioms he’s ... Show more

Divya Napa comes from a lineage of weavers and grew up in Cotonou, Benin for 14 years, where African wax prints, bold color, and carefully chosen objects were just everyday life. She later studied film in London, sharpening an eye that was always drawn to color, light, and feeling over formula.

She co-founded dn&co, where she helps design studios and agencies build steady client pipelines through LinkedIn. Before that, she was a Teach For India Fellow and led instructional design at Bridge International Academies, creating curriculum reaching 10,000+ students.

At DesignUp 2026, she traces her design eye back to where it started, a house in Cotonou she left at 14 but has never stopped seeing through.

Divya Napa comes from a lineage of weavers and grew up in Cotonou, Benin for 14 years, where African wax prints, bold color, and carefully chosen objects were just everyday life. She later studied film in London, sharpening an eye that was always dra... Show more

Kelvin Denzel Miles aka Poison Peso De' Gretzsky was born in Brooklyn , NY , when my mom passed my grandparents thought it would be better for me to be raised in North Carolina. I was a great student and learned how to be a man from my grandfather. Art was always my thing and just being a creative person. Music was always my passion from singing in youth church to choir at school. Other than that is was athletics and education. My father was and still lives in brooklyn and i tell him little things about nfts all the time. NFTS changed and are changing my life. Co-Founder of United Realities "URL to the IRL"

Kelvin Denzel Miles aka Poison Peso De' Gretzsky was born in Brooklyn , NY , when my mom passed my grandparents thought it would be better for me to be raised in North Carolina. I was a great student and learned how to be a man from my grandfather. A... Show more

Elizabeth is a UI/UX Designer, a Women Techmaker Ambassador and Community Organizer

Elizabeth is a UI/UX Designer, a Women Techmaker Ambassador and Community Organizer Show more

I work as an engineer at MIXI, Inc.

I work as an engineer at MIXI, Inc. Show more

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric.

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. Show more

Nadia is skilled at being angry and even more skilled at seeing through the anger of others. She revels in frustration and loves figuring out what angry users really need.

Nadia is skilled at being angry and even more skilled at seeing through the anger of others. She revels in frustration and loves figuring out what angry users really need. Show more

Ricardo Amaro (Ph.D. in Information Science & Technology) is the Software Engineering Manager for Native Linux Integrations at Elastic, where he operates at the intersection of the Linux Kernel (eBPF), Cloud-Native Security, and Agentic AI. Previously, as a Senior Engineering Manager at Acquia, he architected large-scale software delivery platforms, managing a fleet of over 22,000 Linux nodes and 50+ Kubernetes clusters.

A dedicated "Scholar-Practitioner," Ricardo serves as a Visiting Lecturer at Técnico University (Lisbon), a Researcher in DevOps and AI at INESC/INOV and is the President of the Portuguese Drupal Association. With a diverse career leading engineering and operations teams across South Africa, Germany, and the United States, he is a staunch advocate for digital rights and the transformative power of Open Source communities.

Involved with Linux since the 1990s, Ricardo is an expert and active contributor in the Cloud-Native ecosystem, specializing in Kubernetes, OpenTelemetry, and building production-grade AI architectures.

Ricardo is co-author of the book "Seeking SRE", addressing the use of Machine Learning for SRE, published by O'REILLY in 2018. His published scientific articles include:
"DevOps Metrics and KPIs: A Multivocal Literature Review". ACM - Computing Surveys (2024);
"Capabilities and metrics in DevOps: A design science study". Information & Management (2023);
"DevOps benefits: A systematic literature review". Software: Practice and Experience (2022);
"Capabilities and Practices in DevOps: A Multivocal Literature Review". IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering (2022).

Ricardo Amaro (Ph.D. in Information Science & Technology) is the Software Engineering Manager for Native Linux Integrations at Elastic, where he operates at the intersection of the Linux Kernel (eBPF), Cloud-Native Security, and Agentic AI. Previousl... Show more

Born on August 8, 1968, Micah Raskin Poker is a semi-professional poker player living in New York, NY. He began his professional poker journey in 2007 and gradually built his career by competing in various tournaments. His steady approach and focus have helped him gain recognition over time.

Micah has earned more than $ 2 million in poker. More than 25% of his total earnings have been donated to charitable causes, reflecting his intention to support others. His performance has placed him among the ranks of well-known semi-professional players in the United States.

Alongside poker, he has also built a presence in business. He launched a direct marketing agency in Queens, New York, which grew into a stable business. He also played a role in establishing one of the largest chiropractic centers in New York. These efforts show his ability to apply careful planning and discipline in different areas.

For nearly two decades, Micah Raskin has remained active in philanthropy. He has supported temples, houses of worship, hospitals, and schools, with a focus on children. His contributions include supporting children with autism and providing resources. He also started an after-school program in Queens to create a safe and structured environment for children. In addition, he helped fund a hospital in Israel that serves the sick and elderly.

He has also supported the elderly by funding three temples where they can gather for prayer, meals, and connection. His involvement with children with disabilities includes funding and participating in weekend swimming programs that promote inclusion and well-being.

His family background influences his interest in music. Raskin sponsors an annual concert in Hyde Park, with proceeds benefiting local children’s hospitals. He also performs in a New York-based rock ' n ' roll cover band.

He currently lives in Old Westbury, New York, balancing his time between business, poker, and music. He stays closely connected with his twin brothers and often collaborates with them on music projects. He graduated from Baruch College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

In his daily life, he enjoys poker, skiing, and cooking meals for his elderly parents. His routine reflects his strong connection to family and community. Micah Raskin Poker continues to balance his professional work with his personal commitments and charitable efforts.

Born on August 8, 1968, Micah Raskin Poker is a semi-professional poker player living in New York, NY. He began his professional poker journey in 2007 and gradually built his career by competing in various tournaments. His steady approach and focus h... Show more

Jenna Ritten (@jritten) is Chief Developer Advocate & Architect for the InnerSource Ecosystem at IBM Research and Lead Organizer for InnerSource Summit 2025 New York. She leads IBM's InnerSource transformation across the enterprise, enabling open collaboration, innovation and reuse done right at scale. Jenna partners with InnerSource Commons to co-create industry patterns and standards while building bridges between IBM Research innovations and the global developer community. Her expertise spans developer relations, enterprise infrastructure and platform, cloud-native, AI/ML, quantum computing, and fostering collaborative development cultures. A passionate advocate for open innovation in Tech, Jenna champions non-traditional paths into technology and actively builds communities that foster open collaboration and sustainable technology.

Jenna Ritten (@jritten) is Chief Developer Advocate & Architect for the InnerSource Ecosystem at IBM Research and Lead Organizer for InnerSource Summit 2025 New York. She leads IBM's InnerSource transformation across the enterprise, enabling open col... Show more

Producer and Project Manager in large-scale game productions, including Wargaming’s Steel Hunters. I managed Character Art, Narrative and R&D teams, resource planning, and production metrics related to retention and engagement.

Currently, I focus on optimizing creative pipelines through AI-driven tools and data integration — building systems that help teams visualize performance, track milestones, and identify bottlenecks early.

Projects: Soul Atlas, Steel Hunters, World of Warships, Best Team Ever
Companies: DPS Games, Wargaming, Lesta Games

Producer and Project Manager in large-scale game productions, including Wargaming’s Steel Hunters. I managed Character Art, Narrative and R&D teams, resource planning, and production metrics related to retention and engagement. Currently, I focus ... Show more

Steven Goodwin (London, England) has been involved in computing, science, and technology from an early age, building his first synthesizer while still in his teens.

As a systems architect he's designed and built global systems for Unilever, Playfish, and Third Space Learning using a wide range of languages and technologies. He's also highly experienced on the small scale, with work on the iPhone, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi, as well as running teams of between 1 and 30 people.

His position as an industry thought leader in technology implementations includes being a mentor at ed-invent, a start-up consultant, and a futurist. He has given talks around the world on topics as diverse as home automation, HTML5, game development, and quantum superpositions.

Steven Goodwin (London, England) has been involved in computing, science, and technology from an early age, building his first synthesizer while still in his teens. As a systems architect he's designed and built global systems for Unilever, Playfi... Show more

Passionate and visionary Lead Product Designer with a mission to create extraordinary user experiences that seamlessly blend innovation and functionality. With a deep understanding of user behavior and a knack for human-centric design, I combine creativity with analytical thinking to craft intuitive interfaces that captivate and delight.

My career spans over a decade, during which I've had the privilege of working across diverse industries such as fintech, airlines, insurance, and e-commerce. In each sector, I have leveraged my expertise to drive impactful design solutions that meet both user needs and business goals.

As a Design Lead, I have successfully led multidisciplinary design teams within agile squads, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. I thrive on inspiring my team to create more sustainable and accessible products, emphasizing mentorship and continuous learning.

Passionate and visionary Lead Product Designer with a mission to create extraordinary user experiences that seamlessly blend innovation and functionality. With a deep understanding of user behavior and a knack for human-centric design, I combine crea... Show more

david (they/them) is a professional web developer focused on WordPress theme and plugin development. They emphasize helping small businesses, providing ongoing support, and educating users through their service FixUpFox.

(Note that my name is properly spelled in lowercase only as david wolfpaw. Platforms like Sessionize are an easy example of the values of code coming before people and their lived experiences.)

david (they/them) is a professional web developer focused on WordPress theme and plugin development. They emphasize helping small businesses, providing ongoing support, and educating users through their service FixUpFox. (Note that my name is prop... Show more

As a fan of Evan Roderick, I’ve found his journey to be both motivating and meaningful. Watching someone go from the intensity of competitive sports to becoming an accomplished actor/songwriter speaks volumes about his focus and willingness to grow.

I first saw Evan on Arrow as Detective Nick Anastas, where his presence felt steady and natural. There was something about the way he carried himself, calm yet purposeful, that drew me in. Later, I learned about his background in hockey, which only added to my respect for him. He played at the Division I level for UMass Lowell before a significant injury changed his plans. That turning point led him to pursue acting, and from what I’ve seen, he gave it the same level of commitment as he did to his time on the ice.

Growing up in Vancouver, Evan Roderick Anderson was always on the move, changing schools to follow his hockey goals. Along the way, he took on summer jobs in commercials, which turned out to be his first step into the world of performance. After his injury, he came back to Vancouver, trained in acting, and started from the ground up. It’s clear that nothing about his career has been handed to him; he’s earned every step.

His performance in Spinning Out, as Justin Davis, was where many fans, including myself, really connected with his work. He portrayed the emotional tension of the role with sincerity, and it was hard not to relate to the character’s struggles and growth.

Now, with If I Run, Evan steps into the role of Dylan Roberts, a character shaped by inner conflict. It’s exciting to watch him take on more challenging material, especially after receiving a Leo Award nomination in 2023 for Sealed with a List.

And with songs like “Early Years,” he shows another side of his creativity, thoughtful, personal, and honest.

Evan Roderick continues to impress with his dedication to both acting and songwriting, and being a fan of his work makes following his journey truly worthwhile.

As a fan of Evan Roderick, I’ve found his journey to be both motivating and meaningful. Watching someone go from the intensity of competitive sports to becoming an accomplished actor/songwriter speaks volumes about his focus and willingness to grow. ... Show more

Sandra-Lorena Bahlmann is the Go-To Coach for Women 30+ in Tech Startups, helping them turn draining jobs into fulfilling careers—while keeping the income they deserve. As a certified systemic and agile coach, she previously built and led marketing teams in startups, co-founded an online manufacturing startup, and worked with Lean Startup methodologies for years. Now, she helps professionals break through career blocks, navigate transitions, and create fulfilling career paths—without losing financial stability.

Sandra-Lorena Bahlmann is the Go-To Coach for Women 30+ in Tech Startups, helping them turn draining jobs into fulfilling careers—while keeping the income they deserve. As a certified systemic and agile coach, she previously built and led marketing t... Show more

Ebony D. Britton is an educator of over 20 years, children’s author, and advocate for inclusive education. As an ESE teacher, she is deeply committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those on the autism spectrum and nonverbal learners.

Motivated by the lack of representation in children’s literature, Ebony began writing books that reflect the experiences of all children—especially those who are often unseen. Her work combines education and storytelling to promote empathy, inclusion, and meaningful connection in classrooms.

As a speaker, Ebony empowers educators and communities with practical strategies and heartfelt insight on creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and understood.

Ebony D. Britton is an educator of over 20 years, children’s author, and advocate for inclusive education. As an ESE teacher, she is deeply committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those on the autism spectrum and nonve... Show more

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz is a communication strategist, leadership educator, and higher education leader who helps people transform expertise into influence. With more than three decades of experience in teaching, training, and organizational leadership, her work focuses on the power skills that drive professional success: communication, leadership presence, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

Dawn serves as an Associate Teaching Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and First Year Seminar Coordinator at Penn State Berks, where she leads curriculum innovation, faculty collaboration, and student success initiatives across programs.

Dawn is also the founder of DSPR Consulting, where she advises organizations and leaders on communication strategy, leadership development, and learning systems.

Known for translating research into practical tools, Dawn's sessions combine storytelling, frameworks, and real world application. She regularly speaks on communication for career readiness, leadership development, mentoring, and the role of communication in professional mobility.

Her work sits at the intersection of education, leadership, and workforce development, helping students, professionals, and organizations communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz is a communication strategist, leadership educator, and higher education leader who helps people transform expertise into influence. With more than three decades of experience in teaching, training, and organizational leadership, h... Show more